The system allows an iOS device to be controlled by a compatible car’s “touchscreen, knobs and buttons”. Users can safely push a button placed in an easily accessible spot to launch Siri, then make calls, use maps, listen to music and access messages hands-free. A screen built-in to the dashboard can show turn-by-turn directions.

Vehicles from Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have CarPlay as an option for customers, while manufacturers such as BMW, Ford and Jaguar will all launch the feature in the future. The latest version of iOS – 7.1 – adds the support necessary to make the system work with existing phones and tablets.

Other software tweaks include the ability to display events in the month view in the Calendar app, a fix for the bug which could “occasionally cause a Home screen crash” and improved Touch ID fingerprint recognition.

Siri has been adjusted so that you can hold the Home button down while talking and release it when you have finished, rather than letting it decide when your command has ended. The update also adds a “more natural-sounding” voice for the UK English setting.

Those with extremely bad inbox-checking habits will be pleased to note that a glitch which affected unread mail numbers greater than 10,000 on the Mail badge has also been fixed.